Iran to boost Uranium enrichment amid nuclear tensions and threats of Israeli strike

On Thursday, Iran announced plans to "significantly" increase its production of enriched uranium, defying U.S. demands just days ahead of a new round of nuclear negotiations and amid growing speculation of a potential Israeli strike.

The announcement followed a resolution by the U.N. nuclear watchdog accusing Iran of failing to comply with its international obligations, prompting Israel to call for a "decisive" international response.

The United States, Israel, and other Western powers have long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons—an allegation Tehran has consistently denied.

Uranium enrichment remains the primary sticking point in negotiations with the U.S., with the next round of talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman.

According to a joint statement from Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization and the Foreign Ministry, orders have been given to open a new uranium enrichment facility at a secure location.

At the same time, Iran plans to replace all its older, first-generation centrifuges at the Fordow facility near Tehran with advanced sixth-generation models, spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi told state television. This upgrade is expected to "significantly" boost Iran's enriched uranium output.

Regional Tensions and U.S. Troop Movements

Since April, the U.S. and Iran have engaged in five rounds of talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement, which was unilaterally abandoned by former President Donald Trump.

Iran has warned that if the talks collapse and conflict breaks out, it may target U.S. military bases across the region.

Trump, who had previously expressed confidence in the negotiations, adopted a more cautious stance this week, saying he was now "less confident" about reaching a deal. On Wednesday, he ordered the withdrawal of U.S. personnel from parts of the Middle East deemed “dangerous.”

That same day, the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem restricted staff movements due to “increased regional tensions.” Nevertheless, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed via social media that the sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks would take place in Muscat this Sunday.

Israeli Threats and Iranian Warnings

Israel continues to warn that it could launch military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities to prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Multiple reports suggest U.S. officials believe Israel may soon follow through on these threats.

Senior Israeli officials, including Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Mossad Director David Barnea, are set to visit Washington on June 13 to discuss Tel Aviv’s stance on Iran.

In response, Iran has issued stern warnings. Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh stated that all U.S. military bases in the region are within reach and would be targeted without hesitation if conflict arises. "God willing, things won’t escalate to that point," he added, but warned that the U.S. would "suffer more losses" if a war breaks out.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials have begun reducing staff at the embassy in Iraq due to security concerns, with reports suggesting similar moves in Kuwait and Bahrain. However, a U.S. embassy spokesperson in Bahrain said operations there remain unchanged.

Diplomatic Standoff Over Nuclear Rights

These developments unfold amid a broader diplomatic impasse over Iran’s uranium enrichment program. While Tehran insists its right to enrich uranium is "non-negotiable," Washington views current enrichment levels as a "red line."

Iran is currently enriching uranium to 60% purity—far above the 3.67% cap set by the 2015 deal and edging closer to the 90% threshold required for a nuclear weapon.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has recently emphasized that enrichment is a vital aspect of Iran’s nuclear strategy, asserting that the U.S. has no authority to interfere.

After the fifth round of negotiations, Iran acknowledged receiving a draft proposal from the U.S., but criticized it for containing "ambiguities" and lacking meaningful sanctions relief—Tehran’s core demand. Iran is preparing a counter-proposal in response.

On Thursday, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s board passed a resolution condemning Iran’s non-compliance, with 19 out of 35 members voting in favor. This move could trigger the "snapback" mechanism under the 2015 accord, reinstating U.N. sanctions—an option that expires in October.

Iran’s U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, warned that if snapback measures are invoked, Tehran may respond by withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In response to Iran’s enrichment plans, the European Union urged Tehran to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further heighten tensions.